Two Prayers

The Steeple of Emanuel AME Church, Charleston SC 

Loving God, have mercy on all those directly affected by the murders in Emanuel AME Church in Charleston South Carolina.  Take those killed into the arms of your mercy, and sooth the suffering of their families and friends.  Help our nation to end the scourge of racial hatred and prejudice.  Help us to turn our backs on the idols of violence and guns.  Heal our civic fabric, and help us to honestly amend and address these our grievous misdoings.    Through Jesus Christ our Savior,  Amen. 

 

Altar of the Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha Galilee, with 4th century mosaic and the rock traditionally said to have been the place where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish. 

Lord Jesus, you gave us food and more than enough from five loaves and two fish, and taught us to expect rejection and persecution if we follow you.  Help the religious communities in charge of the Church at Tabgha Galilee, burned by arson this week, that commemorates your feeding of the multitude.  Sustain them and help them rebuild.  Help all people in that Holy Land to turn away from the seductions of religious fanaticism, identity politics, and intolerance, and instead learn mutual respect and honor, for your mercy’s sake, we pray.  Amen.   

Priest inspects arsonists' graffiti "false idols will be cut down" on wall of burned outer courtyards and buildings of the Church of the Multiplication (courtesy of Times of Israel).